toothache.com
Your dentistPhone
Sensitive teeth
A brief zing from cold often eases with the right toothpaste and gentle brushing. Pain that lingers is different: call your dentist.
What to do
- Switch to a sensitivity toothpaste. Brush with it at least twice a day, including the sensitive spots.
- Spit, don’t rinse. Leave the toothpaste on your teeth after brushing.
- Give it a few weeks. It usually takes several brushings to help.
- Brush gently with a soft brush. Up and down, not side to side.
- Go easy on triggers. Ice water, very cold food, and acidic foods and drinks such as citrus.
What not to do
- Don’t scrub harder. It wears enamel and pushes gums back.
- Don’t use toothpaste for months to cover a problem. If it isn’t better after four weeks, see your dentist.
- Don’t keep whitening through the pain.